Remotely actuated marker buoy

ABSTRACT

The remotely actuated marker buoy is releasably tethered to, or immediately adjacent to, a maritime animal trap (e.g., crab trap, lobster pot, etc.) or other submerged object requiring recovery. The operator (fisherman, etc.) uses a transmitter to send a signal to a receiver at the trap to release the buoy when trap recovery is desired. The buoy is tethered to the trap, enabling the fisherman to sight the buoy when it rises to the surface and thus recover the trap by drawing up the tether. The transmitter may include an authentication code requirement to prevent another party from recovering the trap if the transmitter is stolen. The system may include a reply transmitter at the trap to provide a signal if the trap is empty and cancel the release of the buoy. The operator may override this recovery cancellation, if desired.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of my prior application Ser. No. 13/288,025, filed Nov. 2, 2011, now pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices and systems for locating geographical positions and objects, and particularly to a remotely actuated marker buoy for maritime use.

2. Description of the Related Art

Commercial and other seamen often have need to place an object on the bottom of a body of water, or at least at some depth below the surface. An example of such is the placement of crab traps, lobster pots, and/or other marine animal traps (i.e., “fish traps”) on the bottom of a body of water. Conventionally, such traps are placed in what appears to be a likely location to make a catch, and left in place for a few days. The fisherman then returns to recover the trap and retrieve the catch (if any) therein.

Traditionally, such traps are marked by floats tethered to the trap by a line. The fisherman travels to the general location where the trap had been left, and seeks the floating marker buoy tethered to the trap. When the marker buoy is seen, the fisherman retrieves the buoy and hauls the trap to the surface by its tether line.

While this technique is workable, it is not without its problems. One major problem with this system is that unscrupulous parties will often seek out such marker buoys and steal another fisherman's traps and any catch therein. Another problem is that the float or buoy will often break away from its tether line, or the line will break away from the trap, due to rough weather, fouling in the propeller or trailing lines from another boat, or other reasons. When this occurs, the trap and any catch that might be contained therein are lost, with little chance of recovery. The fisherman might grapple for the trap if he has a good idea of its specific location, but it is unlikely that the trap would be recovered in such circumstances. Moreover, the use of a grapple in an attempt to recover the trap may result in damage to the underlying surface. This is of some concern, if the bottom is formed of a coral reef or other relatively fragile structure.

As a result, more and more fishermen have resorted to global positioning system (GPS) technology to locate their traps. GPS is quite useful in determining one's position within several yards or meters. Such accuracy is quite helpful in allowing the fisherman to position his boat within a few yards of the target spot on the surface of the water. However, GPS does not provide the required accuracy, which must be within a foot or two, for locating their traps. The fisherman still needs some additional means to locate the trap precisely to enable its recovery.

Accordingly, fishermen have developed alternative technologies wherein the trap is equipped with a submerged, tethered marker buoy that is not released to float to the surface until a signal is received at the submerged trap to release the buoy. The problem of potential theft still exists with this system, as there are only a finite number of frequencies that might be used. Signal scrambling has been used as a solution to the limited frequency problem, but any given transmitter will still release the marker buoy of its associated trap, even if the transmitter is stolen by another party.

In many cases the trap may be empty when the fisherman returns to recover it after perhaps a few days on the bottom. The fisherman may locate the general area of the trap, release the marker buoy (in the case of a submerged buoy), and recover the buoy and tethered trap, only to find that the trap is empty and that the work of trap recovery has been done with no profitable result. While certain systems have been developed in an effort to overcome this problem, they depend upon weight, rather than an actual count of the marine life that may enter the trap. Such systems are not particularly accurate, in that the weight may result from sediment or other debris falling through the porous mesh or screen of the trap.

Thus, a remotely actuated marker buoy solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The remotely actuated marker buoy comprises a tethered unit releasably secured to a maritime animal trap (e.g., crab trap, lobster pot, etc.) or other submerged object where recovery of the object is desired. The marker buoy is secured adjacent the trap or submerged object, well below the surface of the water. When the trap is to be recovered, the fisherman travels to the general area of the trap (i.e., within several tens of yards or meters) and transmits a signal (e.g., acoustic, suitable radio frequencies, etc.) to a compatible receiver located with the trap and buoy. The receiver causes the buoy to be released from its direct attachment to the trap. The buoy then floats to the surface, drawing a tether from the trap to the surface. The fisherman may then observe the floating buoy and retrieve the buoy and its tether line to draw the trap to the surface.

The remotely actuated marker buoy preferably includes means for preventing the theft or recovery of the trap by unauthorized persons. The surface transmitter operated by the fisherman preferably requires an access code, personal identification number (PIN), password, or the like before it will send a signal to the receiver at the trap. Thus, even though another party may gain access to the transmitter, the transmitter cannot be used to recover the submerged trap without knowledge of the proper password or code.

If desired, provision may be made for the trap to remain submerged in the event that no catch has been made. In this situation, the receiver at the trap will not release the buoy if no catch has entered the trap. The receiver and buoy release apparatus at the trap may include a transmitter to send a reply to the surface to inform the fisherman that the buoy is not being released due to the lack of catch in the trap. The fisherman may override the non-release of the buoy to recover the buoy and trap.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a remotely actuated marker buoy according to the present invention, illustrating its general operation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a crab trap or fish trap equipped with the remotely actuated marker buoy of FIG. 1, illustrating its various features.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the basic steps in the method of operation of a remotely actuated marker buoy according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The remotely actuated marker buoy provides a convenient means for a fisherman or seaman to determine the precise location of a submerged object, and to recover that object, if desired. FIG. 1 of the drawings provides an environmental perspective view of the operation of the system comprising the remotely actuated marker buoy and other components. FIG. 2 provides a more detailed illustration of the various submerged components. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a submersible object 10 (e.g., crab trap, lobster pot, or generally a fish trap, or other object) is shown resting on the bottom of a body of water. The submersible object 10 has a tether line 12 attached thereto and extending therefrom. The tether line 12 has a distal end 14 with a marker buoy 16 attached thereto. The marker buoy 16 may comprise a solid unit having a specific gravity less than that of water, or a collapsed inflatable unit that is inflated when it is to be released. The balance of the tether line 12 is preferably stowed within a container 18 that is secured directly to the submersible object 10, generally as shown in Figs, 1 and 2.

A receiver and actuator 20 (e.g., servo, relay, etc.) is secured to the submersible object 10, and communicates mechanically with a release mechanism for the buoy 16. The receiver portion of the receiver and actuator 20 may be of any suitable conventional type, e.g., a radio receiver configured to receive appropriate frequencies that may be transmitted through a depth of water, or an acoustic reception device, or other suitable receiver. The marker buoy may use a radio frequency (RF) receiver (or transceiver), a sonar receiver (or transceiver or transponder), or any other communications device known in the art capable of communicating underwater at the depth of the trap. The receiver provides a signal to the actuator when the receiver receives an appropriate signal, so that the actuator then releases the buoy 16 using conventional mechanical means. In the event that a solid, buoyant buoy 16 is used, a pin may be inserted through the tether attachment ring at the bottom of the buoy 16 or through a loop in the distal portion or end 14 of the tether line 12, for example. The actuator may withdraw the pin to release the distal end 14 of the tether 12. The buoy 16 then draws the distal end 14 of the tether 12 to the surface as the buoy 16 rises. Another example of such a release system might be to provide a small container of compressed gas (e.g., a CO₂ cartridge, etc.) that is opened by the actuator to inflate a collapsed inflatable buoy when the receiver receives the appropriate signal. These systems are conventional, and either of these or other conventional systems may be provided for release of the buoy.

The fisherman or operator using the system from the surface has a transmitter 22 capable of transmitting an appropriate signal that is capable of being received by the receiver at the submersible object 10. The transmitter 22 preferably includes a requirement for an authorization code to be entered before it will transmit a signal. This system prevents an unauthorized person from gaining access to the transmitter 22 and operating the transmitter to release the buoy(s) 16 to recover the submersible object(s) or trap(s) 10. The authorization code system for the operation of a transmitter is conventional, and is somewhat similar to the conventional need for a password for many computer functions or a personal identification number (PIN) for accessing an automated bank terminal or the like. An authorization entry code counter may be included with the transmitter 22. The code counter counts the number of attempts at entering the authorization code. In the event that an incorrect code is entered more than some predetermined number of times, e.g., three times, or some other number of attempts according to the settings in the transmitter, the transmitter 22 will “lock out” further attempts until cleared by appropriate means.

FIG. 2 of the drawings provides a detailed view of the submersible object 10 configured as a crab trap, lobster pot, or more generally, a trap for maritime animals. The receiver and actuator 20, tether line container 18, tether line 12, and the distal end 14 of the tether line connected to the marker buoy 16 are all clearly illustrated in FIG. 2. The fish trap or maritime animal trap 10 includes an entryway 24. A portion of the mesh or screen trap wall above the entryway 24 is shown broken away to show a catch entry counter device 26 disposed above the entryway 24. The catch entry counter 26 includes an elongate trigger or stick-like element 28 depending therefrom and extending through the center of the entryway 24. When an animal (lobster, crab, etc.) enters the trap 10, the trigger 28 is pushed back, thereby causing the counter 26 to register a count. Other counter devices may be used in lieu of the mechanical counter shown in FIG. 2 and described above, e.g., the breaking of a photoelectric beam across the entryway, etc. The catch entry counter 26 communicates with the receiver and actuator 20, as described below in the discussion of the operation of the system.

FIG. 3 of the drawings provides a flowchart illustrating the basic steps in the method of operation of the remotely actuated marker buoy. The transmitter 22 (FIG. 1) is preferably equipped with some means for determining its geographical location, e.g., a global positioning system (UPS) receiver, or alternatively, LORAN-C, or other suitable geographical location system. Such systems are conventional (e.g., innumerable “smart phones” now have UPS included therewith), so no further description of the inclusion of such a UPS system with the transmitter 22 need be provided here. The provision of a UPS system with the transmitter 22 is a convenience for the fisherman or operator of the remotely actuated marker buoy system, as he or she does not require an additional UPS receiver when the transmitter 22 is so equipped.

The fisherman or operator of the system initially navigates to the approximate position of the submersible object and its submerged marker buoy according to GPS or other suitable navigation means. The use of the relatively precise UPS system, preferably included with the transmitter 22, enables the operator to pinpoint his or her location within a few yards or meters. Once the operator has reached the desired location, he or she enters the authentication code and actuates the transmitter 22, generally as indicated by the first step 30 of FIG. 3. Assuming that the operator enters the proper authentication code (second step 32, FIG. 3), the transmitter 22 transmits a signal to the receiver and actuator 20 of the submersible object 10, as indicated by the third step 34 of FIG. 3. However, in the event that the operator does not enter the proper authentication code, the procedure reverts back to the first step 30 of FIG. 3 and the operator must attempt to enter the proper authentication code again.

The transmitter 22 preferably includes a counter therewith, to count the number of attempts made at entering the authentication code, in the event that the maximum number of attempts is exceeded, as indicated by the fourth step 36 of FIG. 3, the transmitter 22 is locked out and will not transmit even in the event that the proper code is entered, generally as indicated by the fifth step 38 of FIG. 3. This system precludes unauthorized transmitter operation by an unauthorized person who might attempt to enter random authentication codes. The transmitter 22 must be cleared by appropriate means (e.g., entry of a certain security code or number, etc.) after it is locked out.

When the receiver and actuator 20 of the submersible object 10 receives the signal from the transmitter 22, it still will not release the tethered marker buoy 16 unless additional conditions are met. The catch entry counter 26 registers the number of maritime animals entering the trap 10 from the time the trap has been placed in the water, and communicates this count to the receiver and actuator 20 at each time an animal enters the trap. However, there may be times when no animals or catch enter the trap from the time it is set until the time that the operator attempts to retrieve the trap. In this situation, there may be no point in retrieving the trap. The receiver and actuator 20 may be set to cancel the buoy release signal from the transmitter 22 in the event that the catch entry counter does not detect any catch entering the trap 10, and signal the receiver and actuator 20 accordingly. For example, the receiver and actuator 20 may be set to require a catch entry greater than zero, i.e., at least one or more, in order to release the buoy 16. If the catch entry number is zero, indicating that no catch has entered the trap 10, the receiver and actuator 20 will cancel the release of the buoy 16, generally as indicated by the sixth step 40 and seventh step 42 of FIG. 3.

It will be noted that the fisherman or operator of the transmitter 22 will have no way of knowing the reason for the lack of release of the buoy 16 when the above scenario, i.e., zero catch, occurs. Accordingly, the receiver and actuator 20 may include a reply transmitter to send a return signal to the transmitter 22 being operated on the surface. This is essentially a transponder system. Such systems for automatically sending a reply to an initially transmitted signal are conventional in many areas (e.g., aviation radar, etc.). The transmitter 22 preferably includes some means for indicating the detection of the transmitted reply from the receiver and actuator 20, e.g., a red light (or perhaps an aural tone, or other notification means) to indicate to the operator that (1) the receiver and actuator 20 did in fact receive the signal to release the buoy 16, and (2) that the release signal has been canceled. due to the lack of catch entering the trap 10.

It will be seen that there may be times when the fisherman or operator wishes to retrieve the trap 10 even when no catch has been captured in the trap. Accordingly, the transmitter 22 may include an override command (eighth step 44, FIG. 3) that may be transmitted to the receiver and actuator 20 that will cause the receiver and actuator to release the buoy 16 even when no catch has been detected entering the trap 10 by the catch entry counter 26. Buoy release is indicated by the ninth step 46 of FIG. 3. The receiver and actuator 20 may include means for transmitting a different reply signal back to the transmitter 22 to indicate release of the buoy 16, if desired, e.g., a signal that will actuate a green light (or some other indication of positive buoy release) on the transmitter 22. However, as the release of the buoy 16 will be evident when it reaches the surface, such a positive release indicator to the transmitter 22 is optional in the remotely actuated marker buoy system.

Accordingly, the remotely actuated marker buoy system in its various embodiments provides a secure and convenient means for the fisherman or other person(s) to retrieve a tethered and submerged buoyant float or buoy from a submersible object, and thereby retrieve the object by means of the tether from the buoy to the object. While the disclosure has been directed primarily to use of the system for the retrieval of crab traps, lobster pots, and other maritime animal traps, it will be seen that the system may be adapted for the recovery of virtually any submersible object that is intended to be submerged in a body of water and subsequently recovered. The remotely actuated marker buoy system will prove to be of great value and utility to fishermen and others who have need to recover objects placed upon the floor of the sea or other body of water, for whatever purpose.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1-6. (canceled)
 7. A remotely actuated marker buoy, comprising: a fish trap having a single entryway; a tether line selectively extendible from the fish trap, the tether line having a distal end; a marker buoy attached to the distal end of the tether line, the marker buoy being selectively secured to the fish trap; a receiver and actuator attached to the fish trap, the receiver and actuator having means for releasing the marker buoy from the fish trap upon receiving an appropriate signal, wherein the means for releasing the marker further includes means for sending notification from the receiver and actuator to the transmitter when the catch entry counter has recorded a number of marine animals fewer than a predetermined number, wherein the predetermined number is at least one; a transmitter remotely disposed from the receiver and actuator, the transmitter being configured to selectively send a signal to the receiver and actuator; a catch entry counter, the counter including a trigger disposed at the single entryway of the fish trap, the catch entry counter counting the number of marine animals entering the fish trap; means for canceling the signal received from the transmitter when the catch entry counter has recorded a number of marine animals fewer than a predetermined number and wherein the transmitter further includes: i) means for overriding the means for canceling the signal received from the transmitter; and an authentication code therewith, the authentication code precluding signal transmission from the transmitter when an incorrect authentication code is entered into the transmitter. 8-10. (canceled)
 11. The remotely actuated marker buoy according to claim 7, wherein the transmitter further includes a GPS receiver incorporated therein, the GPS receiver being adapted to determine the geographic position of the transmitter. 12-18. (canceled) 